WDW and dialysis

[MAnonsen]

Just wanted to get some input from all you out there. My MIL just came to live with us and she recently started dialysis (1 month ago). It was a sudden thing that she had to move in with us.

My husband says we can't go on our trip scheduled for 3/9-16/02 because she is living with us now because she has to have dialysis 3 times a week. I don't mean to sound selfish but we have planned and saved for almost 2 years for this trip. My DD has saved every dollar she has gotten to go on this trip now I have to break the news to her.

Have any of you had a family member on dialysis that went to WDW? How did you do it? I know she can't miss dialysis.

I plan on contacting her physicians to see what they say. But any thoughts/ideas/experiences you can provide will help.

 

[SueM in MN]

Welcome.
I don't think it is selfish of you to feel the way you do. You are disappointed and surprized after planning so long.
I know there have been some posts from people who went to WDW while undergoing dialysis. I did a search and didn't find what I was looking for, so it may have been more than 1 year ago (that's as far back as we can search).

Anyway, diaysis centers do deal with people who are traveling. It's also possible that she may not need dialysis by the time you travel. Some people have acute renal failure and it resolves after a period of dialysis. Her doctor would be able to give you some idea if that is a possibility or if this is a permanent problem. The doctor will be able to give you info about if your MIL can travel and important things for you to know about her stamina, things to avoid, etc. If the doctor is not able to hook you up with a dialysis center in Florida, you might be able to get some info from the place where she is getting dialysis now.
If you are staying at one of the WDW resorts, WDW RESORTS/SPECIAL RESERVATIONS
(407) 939-7807 [voice]
(407) 939-7670 [TTY]
might be able to help you out too. They are listed as the place to contact for special needs and I am pretty sure they would at least be aware of some resources even if they are not able to help you set it up.
Here are some web sites I found to help with dialysis and travel:
Dialysis finder.com
Another dialysis finder from Nephron Information Center.
and the National Kidney Foundation
I don't know about the first 2 links, but the National Kidney Foundation is a reputable source.
Good luck.

 

[Kermit]

I have a little bit of experience with this because my FIL was on dialysis (until he got a kidney from his mom). You should make your "reservation" at an Orlando-area clinic as soon as possible. My FIL had to start dialysis a few weeks before Thanksgiving, and then they had to cancel their planned vacation because he couldn't get in at any of the local clinics. You're not going during a popular vacation time, but there may still be enough of the snow birds in Florida at that time of year that the clinics are close to full as it is.